CSU student arrested for explosive device on campus

According to Columbus State University (CSU) officials, student Chad Boatner was arrested Saturday, August 31, 2013, and charged with Possession of a Destructive Device.

CSU Chief of Police Russ Drew says Boatner made an explosive chemical weapon, and detonated the device outside of a dormitory on campus. Windows shook as a result of the explosion. No students or property were damaged.

According to campus police reports, officers say they heard a loud explosion coming from the dorms on Columbus State University's campus just after 8 p.m. on Saturday. Officers found a two liter bottle in the parking lot that appeared to have exploded.

CSU freshman Laronsia Cross lives in the same dorm complex as Boatner. She didn't hear the explosion on Saturday but can't believe a student would make a homemade bomb on campus.

"Cops are always around, so whoever did that, I don't know why you did that, because people are just trying to go to school here," Cross said.

"It's regular people here. It's nobody that seems skeptical or anything. I never thought that anyone would try to make a bomb inside of the dorm,"said a CSU sophomore.

Drew reminds students to be mindful of their actions at all times, because the consequences for their actions can be severe.

"In 2013, to do this type of thing is a very dangerous act, and we take it very seriously, and unfortunately that is why the student has been charged with the severity of the crime that he had," said Chief Drew.

Boatner is still being held in the Muscogee County Jail. He appeared in Recorder's Court this morning where several of his charges were bound over to Superior Court. He is expected to appear in Recorder's court again on Thursday at 8 a.m. on a recently added Weapons charge.